Jose Mourinho has agreed to return to Real Madrid as manager, penning a two-year contract with an option for a further year, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. The appointment is set to be formally announced after the club’s presidential election on June 7th, where current president Florentino Perez is seeking re-election.
Mourinho’s return comes after a trophyless season for Los Blancos and the subsequent sacking of head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. Reports indicate internal issues within the squad, including altercations between players such as Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, as well as an incident involving Kylian Mbappe, contributed to the decision to seek a more authoritative figure in the dugout. Perez believes Mourinho’s experience and direct approach will restore order and a winning mentality to the club.
With Mourinho secured, Perez is now focusing on strengthening the squad, with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni identified as key targets. Neves, valued at €110 million (£95m), has emerged as a priority to bolster the midfield, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the futures of Eduardo Camavinga and Valverde. Agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly involved in attempting to facilitate the transfer, though PSG are reluctant to sell.
Bastoni, valued at €75 million (£65m), is seen as a potential long-term solution at centre-back, replacing David Alaba and eventually succeeding Antonio Rudiger. Mourinho is believed to have personally convinced the Italian international to consider a move to the Bernabeu, and Bastoni is reportedly open to the possibility of joining the Spanish giants. There is also continued interest in Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, following the collapse of contract negotiations between the player and his current club.
The potential acquisitions of Neves and Bastoni signal Madrid’s intent to rebuild a squad capable of challenging for top honors once again, and Mourinho’s arrival is expected to be the catalyst for a period of significant investment and change at the club.
